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PIR-30180 - Module Specification
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 06 October 2026

PIR-30180 - Genocide and Death in World Politics
Coordinator: Helen Parr Room: CBB2.005 Tel: TBC
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27


Aims
This module aims to:
a) provide you with an in-depth study of what genocide is, and the deep-rooted and proximate causes of what enables it to happen
b) explore specific cases, enabling understanding of what caused genocide in these examples
c) identify patterns of prejudice and hatred, and work towards general understandings of how genocide happens, and how mass death becomes tolerated or accepted
d) provide an immersive learning opportunity through an innovative genocide prevention workshop, if possible, with the New Vic theatre
e) explore responses to genocide, considering how genocide can be commemorated as well as responses to genocide in art and legal responses
f) consider what happens after genocide: is reconciliation possible and how can future genocides be prevented?

Intended Learning Outcomes

Identify and contextualise sources of prejudice and hatred in world politics, and analyse how these can lead to genocide or mass killing: 1
Critically analyse definitions of genocide and assess how these have been applied and used: 1,2
Critically evaluate the causes of genocide in specific cases: 1
Critically assess artistic and commemorative responses to genocide and mass killing: 2
Critically analyse possible post-genocide methods of reconciliation: 2

Study hours

22 hours of lectures and tutorials
2 hours of interactive workshop
26 hours of preparation for lectures and tutorials and workshop
40 hours of preparation for podcast or video
60 hours of preparation for research paper

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Creative Brief weighted 40%
Creative brief
Students will produce a short video or podcast (equivalent to 1000 words) reflecting on the definitions of and causes of genocide, either assessing a particular case or reflecting on sources of hatred and prejudice and how this can lead to genocide more widely

2: Research Paper weighted 60%
Research paper
Students will write a 2000 word research paper assessing artistic, commemorative, reconciliatory or legal responses to a particular case of genocide. The research paper will engage with the relevant academic literature as well as examples from the works of groups and organisations, NGOs, charities, individuals, and civil society in general. The module guide will include a list of potential cases, but student can also choose a different case following consultation with the module leader.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 06 October 2026